JPN366

QUOTE (ChiSox_Sonix @ Jun 15, 2009 -> 09:05 AM) LOL. Nice logic. First off, I don't believe I "championed" Wise at all in that post, but good try (I actually stated twice that he should be in AAA). Secondly, just because Cook "has yet to fail at the big league level" means he's a good option? Hell, with that logic let's call up Shelby or Gartrell since they have yet to fail too. Third, I listed two options who should be called up. It continues to baffle me the man-love people get for certain non-prospects in this organization to the extent where they feel they will succeed at the major league level for no real reason. How many 28 year old players hit at .250 at AA and go on to have solid major league careers? I get it, people here love David Cook cuz he can play CF and had a good year last year. But look at reality, the odds of him being a major league player are almost non-existant. I'd call up Kroger, Restovich, Phillips, maybe even Daryl Ward before even considering calling up David Cook right now. All he's done this year is jump Lillibridge on the depth chart. It might be different if he was having a year like last year, or if he was doing this in Charlotte, but he's not, pure and simple. I know I speak up for David Cook a lot, but all I want for him is just a chance. Just an audition for a week or two. He's been in the system since 2003. He's a hard working player, and he deserves a shot, that's all. As much as I like seeing him play, he shouldn't be in AA, he should have been in AAA all season at this point. I've never said he'd be a great major leaguer, although I think he could have success under a LaRussa/Leyland/Piniella/Maddon type manager. In a nutshell, I just want him to get a chance, that's all.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jun 14, 2009 -> 07:05 PM) With his frame, it's hard to imagine Viciedo not developing major power. He's got it. Opposite field no doubter homeruns.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jun 14, 2009 -> 04:45 PM) Which is exactly what we needed to see from him. Now, we need to start seeing the power numbers. It's about to start feeling like Cuba down here soon enough.

QUOTE (BearSox @ Jun 14, 2009 -> 05:31 PM) Danks needs to switch to number 6 anyway. I thought 6 was untouchable, even for Beckham?

QUOTE (RME JICO @ Jun 14, 2009 -> 05:24 PM) Why is management so set on keeping this guy on the roster when there are so many other options out there. Being stubborn is all I can guess. They don't want to admit that it was a mistake to consider him a long term option.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jun 14, 2009 -> 04:51 PM) To answer this in more detail...AJ's contract runs through the end of the 2010 season (note to people wanting to deal him - he has a 6 team NTC. I'm betting 1 of those teams is the Giants. Anywho...) AJ isn't likely to be moved before the trade deadline in 2010. He's not worth as much to any other team as he is to us, unless they're really desperate for a catcher. He'll be paid $6.25 million next year, so while he's not ridiculously priced, that is expensive for a .750ish OPS guy in this market. If Flowers is ready...then here's what's likely to happen with him. He'll stay in the minors through September 1, and he'll be added to the 40 man and given a callup in September when the rosters expand. He'll be expected to play some winterball, and he'll have a shot to take the backup/RH catcher role out of ST next year. With AJ under contract they'll be patient and allow him to platoon, to get at bats and adapt to the bigs without being dumped in, and hopefully he'll learn some stuff about the pitching staff and defense from AJ while he's still here. It's possible they could look in to keeping AJ around as a part time player in 2011 if AJ is cheap enough. That seems reasonable. A smooth transition doesn't hurt anyone.

QUOTE (Thunderbolt @ Jun 14, 2009 -> 04:49 PM) Why not call up Kroeger or Cook? It's not like we haven't already tried Pods in center. What does Wise offer to this team? I second that.

QUOTE (BearSox @ Jun 14, 2009 -> 05:15 PM) Maybe we're DFA'ing Wise and calling up Danks Why? Wise is essential.

QUOTE (BearSox @ Jun 14, 2009 -> 05:15 PM) Maybe we're DFA'ing Wise and calling up Danks If the call up Danks, then Beckham will need to change numbers. 15 is Danks preferred number.

He hit a homerun in his first game with Buffalo. Great timing.

QUOTE (BearSox @ Jun 14, 2009 -> 12:15 PM) Depends on how well we think he can handle the pitching staff and if his D behind the plate is any worse than A.J's (A.J.'s D behind the plate has really gotten bad as he's really slow behind there now). However, I wouldn't say he's completely ready. His average is decent, and he's on pace to K almost 170 times. I'm sure most of the hitting numbers aren't all that impressive (besides OBP) is because of the ball park he plays half of his games in. If we could get something for Pierzynski at the deadline, I wouldn't mind trading him and calling up Flowers. However, I think the team suspects his future is at DH. He's ready, see my blurb about it on Future Sox.

I broke this story two days ago on Future Sox.

Friday is Bobby Jenks bobblehead night, plus there is a double header.

QUOTE (dasox24 @ Jun 13, 2009 -> 11:59 PM) Kind of cool if there are any fans that are so allergic to peanuts that just being around them will make them have a reaction (there are people like that). This way they'll get to go to a game they may not otherwise be able to... But yeah, I can't imagine it really affects that many people in Birmingham. Regardless, a nice gesture by the Barons. They search bags to make sure nobody sneaks any peanuts in to that game.

QUOTE (ChiSox_Sonix @ Jun 13, 2009 -> 11:15 PM) He's 28 and hitting .250 at AA...yes, he is. I was being sarcastic, hence the green.

QUOTE (Thunderbolt @ Jun 13, 2009 -> 11:03 PM) David Cook wilth a solo shot. Doesn't matter, he's too old.

QUOTE (knightni @ Jun 13, 2009 -> 06:33 PM) He's been decent batting average-wise. I'd bring him up to Charlotte in July. After the all star break, I want to see him in the home run derby at Rickwood.

QUOTE (Markbilliards @ Jun 13, 2009 -> 07:14 PM) JPN366, Do you work with the Barons' team/stadium, or do you just have season tickets? Season tickets.

Barons clinch first half, Dash magic number at 2. I'm getting playoff tickets in the mail!

While we're on the subject of food addictions, you guys are missing out on a local cookie company here in Birmingham... Bud's Best Cookies

Male pattern baldness is setting in and I'm only 28, I can't even comb over. I wear a lot of hats. So, f**k it.

I have to agree that Little Caeser's has better flavor over the other national chains. I will admit though that Papa John's Tuscan 6 cheese on thin crust is awesome. Something I discovered on a whim this week is a take and bake pizza from Walmart. They are available by the deli, I highly recommend y'all try the cheese pizza, it has 4 or 5 different cheeses on it. It's $5 for a 12 inch, you bake it for 10 to 12 minutes on 375. I've had 3 of them this week, I'm hooked.

QUOTE (dasox24 @ Jun 13, 2009 -> 06:41 PM) Yes, if the Barons win the 1st half, they're automatically in the playoffs. And no, not all levels use the half system. AAA doesn't and one of the AA leagues doesn't (Eastern League, I believe). Not sure about some of the A-/A+ leagues. W-S is close to clinching too.

QUOTE (knightni @ Jun 13, 2009 -> 06:12 PM) How's his defense behind the plate and attempts at hitting offspeed pitches? Defense is adequate enough. When he makes contact, children should cover their eyes, it's scary.

QUOTE (maggsmaggs @ Jun 13, 2009 -> 05:33 PM) He's doing those numbers as a 27-year-old in AA. The power is fine, but he also is hitting .247. Sure he could be better than Wise, but Wise isn't an ML player either. Guys who hit .247 in AA simply can't just come up the majors and produce unless they are relatively young for the level with lots of improvement left. He is also repeating a league, which should have improved his numbers not made him worse. I love hyping our Sox prospects and think some are pretty damn good, but he is nothing but organizational fodder, that's the truth. I'd just like to see him get a chance.